Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, has shifted its House of Representatives primary election for the 2027 general elections by one day, adjusting the exercise from Friday, May 15, to Saturday, May 16.

The announcement was made in a late Thursday statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka. According to the statement, only the House of Representatives primaries were affected by the sudden adjustment, while every other scheduled primary election remains unchanged.

Party officials confirmed that Senate, governorship, presidential, and State House of Assembly primaries would proceed according to the previously approved timetable. Under the revised arrangement, Senate primaries are expected to hold on Monday, May 18, while State Houses of Assembly primaries are fixed for Wednesday, May 20.

Governorship primaries are slated for Thursday, May 21, and the presidential primary election is expected to take place on Saturday, May 23.

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The party did not provide any official explanation for the abrupt postponement of the House of Representatives exercise. The announcement, however, came just hours before delegates and aspirants across the country were expected to begin the primary process.

Despite the delay, preparations for the remaining primaries are reportedly ongoing in line with directives from the party’s national leadership. Organizing committees, electoral panels, and party officials are continuing logistical arrangements ahead of the upcoming contests.

The development comes as the APC intensifies activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. In recent weeks, the ruling party has conducted screenings for aspirants seeking tickets into various elective positions, including legislative and executive offices.

Party leaders have repeatedly urged members and aspirants to maintain discipline and uphold democratic principles throughout the exercise. The APC also warned against actions capable of causing internal divisions, emphasizing the need for unity ahead of the nationwide polls.

Political observers note that primary elections remain a critical phase for major political parties in Nigeria, often shaping alliances and determining the strength of candidates before the general election season officially begins.

The postponement of the House of Representatives primaries may trigger fresh consultations among aspirants and stakeholders, especially in constituencies where contests are expected to be highly competitive. However, there has been no indication from the party that the delay will affect the broader electoral calendar.

Analysts believe the APC leadership is attempting to avoid procedural controversies and ensure smoother coordination during the selection process. While no reason has been officially cited, such adjustments are not uncommon during large-scale political exercises involving multiple states and thousands of delegates.

As preparations continue, attention will now shift to Saturday’s rescheduled House of Representatives primaries, which are expected to attract significant political interest across the country.